Reduce Biological Age by Up to 16 Years with Daily Walks, Study Finds

The Science of Ageing: How Walking Can Decrease Your Biological Age By Up to 16 Years

A groundbreaking study has found that a faster walking pace can potentially cut up to 16 years off your biological age. Research conducted on over 400,000 middle-aged individuals from the UK Biobank database has revealed a fascinating link between brisk walking and biological age.

“A lifetime of brisk walking reduces biological age by up to 16 years compared with a lifetime of slow walking,” explained Thomas Yates, a professor specializing in lifestyle and chronic disease. The study utilized genetic data to demonstrate that individuals who maintain a faster walking pace tend to have a younger biological age as measured by telomeres, the protective caps at the end of chromosomes.

The results indicate that brisk walking can have a significant impact on biological age, which is distinct from chronological age. By walking at a brisk pace throughout life, an individual could potentially be 16 years younger in biological age by midlife.

Dr. Paddy Dempsey, the lead author of the study, commented on the findings, stating, “This research provides robust evidence for a causal relationship between faster walking pace and longer telomere length, a key indicator of biological age.”

Furthermore, the study revealed that brisk walkers may have up to 20 years greater life expectancy compared to individuals who walk slowly. This correlation between walking pace and genetic markers of biological age highlights the importance of integrating physical activity into daily routines to promote healthy ageing.

As the study suggests, incorporating just 10 minutes of brisk walking per day could potentially lead to longer life expectancy and reduce markers of ageing by as much as 16 years. This natural and accessible approach to improving health underscores the powerful impact of regular physical activity on biological age.

Forget expensive anti-ageing treatments – the key to defying age lies in the simple act of walking. By maintaining a brisk walking pace, individuals can potentially decrease their biological age and enjoy a healthier, longer life.